So, you’ve seen those eye-catching glowing signs in trendy bars, cozy cafes, and stylish homes. You have a perfect phrase, a brilliant logo, or a whimsical design in mind. But the burning question is: what will a custom neon sign actually cost?
The short answer is: Anywhere from £150 to £3,000+. The wide range exists because a custom neon sign isn’t a commodity—it’s a crafted piece of functional art. The final price is a puzzle made up of several key pieces.
Let’s break down the factors that determine your final quote.
The Biggest Cost Factor: Material & Craftsmanship
First, you must choose between two main technologies. This choice impacts cost, aesthetics, and functionality the most.
1. Traditional Glass Neon Signs
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What it is: The classic. Hand-blown glass tubes filled with inert gas (neon for red/orange, argon + phosphor coating for other colors), bent over a fire by a skilled artisan.
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Price Range: £500 – £3,000+
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Why the cost? This is pure craftsmanship. Each piece is made by hand. It requires a glassblower (a “bender”) with years of training. The process is time-consuming, and the materials (transformers, electrodes, rare gases) are specific. You’re paying for authentic, warm, and perfectly uniform glow that can’t be fully replicated.
2. LED Neon Flex (Often called “Faux Neon” or “LED Neon”)
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What it is: A modern alternative. Flexible silicone or PVC tubing with LED strips inside. It’s pre-made and can be cut and shaped.
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Price Range: £150 – £1,200
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Why the cost? Much more affordable due to streamlined manufacturing and assembly. It’s lighter, more energy-efficient, cool to the touch, and often comes with color-changing remote controls. The light can be very bright, but purists note it can have a “dotty” appearance if low-quality, as you see the individual LEDs.
The 5 Key Factors That Shape Your Quote
Whether you choose glass or LED, these elements will determine where in the price range you land.
1. Size & Dimensions
This is the most obvious factor. Pricing is often based on per-foot/per-meter costs for the tubing.
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Small (e.g., 12″x12″ word or simple shape): £150 – £400 (LED) | £500 – £900 (Glass)
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Medium (e.g., 24″x36″ detailed logo): £400 – £800 (LED) | £900 – £2,000 (Glass)
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Large (e.g., 4ft+ storefront sign): £800+ (LED) | £2,000+ (Glass)
2. Design Complexity
This is where costs can skyrocket. Simple fonts and shapes are easy. Complexity adds time and skill.
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Simple: Basic block or script font, single line, no overlaps. (Lowest Cost)
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Moderate: Custom logos, two lines of text, simple outlines.
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Complex: Intricate drawings, multiple colours in one tube (requires glass “bridging”), tight curves, layered elements, special fonts with thin strokes. (Highest Cost)
3. Color(s)
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LED Neon Flex: Color is cheap and flexible. A single-color sign is standard, but adding a multi-color RGB+W remote control system usually only adds a small premium.
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Traditional Glass: Color significantly impacts price. Standard colors (red, blue, yellow, white) are most affordable. Special colors or coatings (like pinks, purples, or “true” warm white) can be more expensive. Each separate color requires its own glass tube, so a sign with 3 colors is essentially 3 separate signs in terms of labor and materials.
4. Backing & Installation
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Backing (Mounting Board): An acrylic or metal backing board is standard. Clear acrylic creates a “floating” effect. Painted acrylic (black, white, mirror) gives a finished look. Custom shapes add cost.
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Installation: Is it plug-and-play? Most small signs come with a plug. For hardwired installation (direct to building wiring) for a storefront, you must hire a licensed electrician—factor in $200-$500+ for this service.
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Accessories: Remote controls, dimmers, timers, and waterproofing for outdoor use will add to the cost.
5. Vendor & Quality
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Mass-Market Online Sellers: Very competitive prices (often LED), but quality control and customization support can be limited.
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Specialized Neon Studios (Online or Local): Higher price point, but you get expert design consultation, superior craftsmanship (especially for glass), better materials (higher LED density for smoother light), and clear communication.
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The “Amazon Special”: Beware of extremely cheap signs ($50-$100). These often use very low-density LEDs (visible dots), poor transformers, and flimsy backing. They are decor items, not commercial-grade pieces.
Sample Price Scenarios
| Sign Concept | Material | Size | Complexity | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Included? |
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| “Open” Sign for a Café | LED Neon Flex | 18″ x 8″ | Simple (basic font) | £180 – £300 | Single color, clear backing, plug, remote for on/off. |
| Custom Monogram for Home | LED Neon Flex | 20″ x 20″ | Moderate (custom script) | £250 – £450 | Single color, choice of backing color, plug, remote for on/off & dimming. |
| Simple Single-Line Motto | Traditional Glass | 24″ long | Simple | £600 – £1,000 | One color, clear acrylic backing, transformer, installation ready. |
| Detailed Business Logo | LED Neon Flex | 24″ x 24″ | Complex (multiple elements) | £500 – £900 | Multi-color capability, custom-shaped backing, remote. |
| Vintage-Style Bar Sign | Traditional Glass | 36″ x 18″ | Complex (scrolls, 2 colours) | £1,800 – £3,000+ | Two separate glass tubes, metal backing, professional transformer. |
How to Get an Accurate Quote & Avoid Surprises
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Have a Clear Design: Even a rough sketch helps. Know your preferred size in inches or centimeters.
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Choose Your “Must-Haves”: Prioritize: Is it size, colour, material, or budget? You may need to compromise on one to get another.
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Ask the Right Questions:
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“Is this price for LED or glass?”
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“What’s included? (Backing, plug, transformer, remote, mounting hardware)”
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“What is the warranty on the LEDs/transformer?”
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“Can you provide a digital mockup before production?”
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“Are there any setup or shipping fees?”
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Factor in the “Hidden” Costs: Shipping (large signs are fragile and heavy), import duties (if ordering overseas), and professional installation for large/commercial signs.
The Bottom Line
View a custom neon sign as an investment—in your brand’s atmosphere, your home’s vibe, or a special gift. While £300 – £800 will get you a beautiful, high-quality LED sign for most personal or small business uses, a true handmade glass neon piece is a premium product starting around $800 and rising with artistry.
Your next step: Find a reputable vendor, send them your idea, and get a formal quote. The best ones will guide you through the choices to create a stunning piece that fits your vision and your budget.
Pro Tip: If you love the glass neon look but have a tighter budget, ask about “bent to order” LED neon flex. Some high-end LED artisans hand-bend the flexible tubing for more organic, classic shapes, offering a beautiful middle ground.